Principal Project Manager
GCHQ is the United Kingdom's intelligence, security and cyber agency, working to identify, analyse and disrupt threats to the UK.
About Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)
A UK public body whose statutory function includes foreign-focused signals intelligence. GCHQ uses technical capabilities, analysis and online effects across counter-terrorism, cyber security, serious and organised crime, strategic advantage and support to defence. It has publicly described responsible AI use in its national-security mission.
Skills
Candidate Availability
Required and preferred rules are kept separate and reflect the wording in the original posting.
About the Role
You will lead complex, high-impact projects and major programme elements from initiation through closure. You will shape delivery approaches, manage schedules, budgets, quality, benefits, risks, issues, dependencies and change, and provide governance, assurance, business cases, reports and recommendations. You will engage senior stakeholders, suppliers, customers and partners, lead multidisciplinary teams, and undertake line-management and mentoring responsibilities.
Requirements
- Recognised project management qualification such as APM PMQ, PMI PMP or PRINCE2
- At least four GCSEs at Grade 4/C or above including English and Mathematics, equivalent Level 2 qualifications, or relevant equivalent experience
- Skills aligned to the Project Delivery Capability Framework for a Project Manager at SEO grade
- Experience delivering projects across varied environments
- Experience leading significant workstreams and engaging senior stakeholders
- Knowledge of planning, reporting, financial tracking, risk, issue and change management
- British citizenship or dual British nationality
- Eligibility for Developed Vetting
Responsibilities
- Lead complex projects and major programme elements through the full lifecycle
- Shape delivery approaches and guide multidisciplinary teams
- Manage plans, schedules, time, cost, quality and benefits
- Control risks, issues, dependencies and change
- Lead governance and assurance activities
- Write and manage business cases
- Engage and influence senior stakeholders, partners, suppliers and customers
- Produce reports, briefings and recommendations
- Provide line management and mentoring
Benefits
- Flexible working arrangements including part-time work, compressed hours, and flexible start and finish times
- 25 days' annual leave rising to 30 days after five years, plus 10.5 public and privilege holidays
- Employee performance recognition scheme
- Interest-free season ticket loan
- Pension scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Gym, restaurant and on-site coffee bars at some locations
- Paid parental and adoption leave
- Travel-cost reimbursement for eligible in-person recruitment and vetting appointments
Hiring Process
Online application with pre-screening questions → online Situational Judgement Test → application sift → virtual technical and competency interview → conditional offer.